Nothing Beats an Authentic Chicago Loft: 531 S. Plymouth
Printer’s Row has many of Chicago’s original loft buildings and some of the city’s most “authentic” lofts.
The Mergenthaler Lofts at 531 S. Plymouth is one of those buildings.
Originally built in 1886, it was converted into apartments in 1979 and then into condominiums. There are only 20 units in the building. Some parking is available in an outdoor lot next door to the building.
They just don’t make them like this anymore – with this size and spaciousness. Great windows.
Unit #502: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1300 square feet, corner unit
- Sold in April 2003 for $279,000
- Currently listed for $364,900
- Assessments of $498 a month
- Century 21 has the listing
ooof–I bet the downstairs neighbor sure is glad the pianist is moving out of this timber loft!
Yikes, Kitchen and bath are in need of help a.s.a.p.!
These were converted in the 1990s and most have the 1990s features. Apparently, the seller is listing based simply on square footage.
It’ll be interesting to see if they can get near this price for this.
Just heard my parents talk about how this place would have been $20$30K and thier mortgage was $200.00 per month bacnk in the day,
Units at 600 S. Dearborn (the Transportation Building) originally sold for $85,000 in 1996.
$279k is probably about right. Maybe they can eke out $300 (from some fool) and cover most of their closing costs. $364k is demented.
I sold unit #602 (right above this one, approx 1600 sq ft including lofted bedroom) for $360,000 back in the summer of 2005 or so. City properties have not declined in value the way suburban properties have … I would think $364k is a pretty reasonable starting point to list at, and wouldn’t be all that surprised if the seller got $350k or so for it. 531 is an outstanding character building … good condo board (at least back then, dunno of Judy is still pres), well managed, unbeatable location. Assessments are reasonable compared to other character buildings in the area–this stems from the place being very well managed (as of 3 years ago, anyway).
Jean-Michel:
It sold for $290,000. See the update here.
Yeah, I just now realized my mistake. I used to live in Unit 601 (it’s a few addresses ago). This unit is actually smaller than my old place, so $290k sounds about right. Mae culpa.